Peach Tree Named &#39;Burpeachthirtyseven&#39;

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of peach tree is described and which is denominated varietally as ‘Burpeachthirtyseven’, and which produces an attractively colored yellow fleshed, clingstone peach which is mature for harvesting and shipment approximately September 23 to September 29 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California.

Latin name: ‘Prunus persica’.

Varietal denomination: ‘Burpeachthirtyseven’.

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW VARIETY

The present variety of peach tree resulted from an on-going program of fruit and nut tree breeding. The purpose of this program is to improve the commercial quality of deciduous fruit and nut varieties, and rootstocks, by creating and releasing promising selections of Prunus, Malus, Punica and Juglans species. To this end we make both controlled and hybrid cross pollinations each year in order to produce seedling populations from which improved progenies are evaluated and selected.

The seedling, ‘Burpeachthirtyseven’ was originated by us, and selected from a population of seedlings growing in our experimental orchards which are located near Fowler, Calif. The seedlings, which were grown on their own roots, were derived from planting seed derived from the ‘Fayette’ peach tree, and which is a USDA-released, (unpatented) commercially-planted yellow peach. The pollen parent was an unnamed and unpatented selection which is owned by the Assignee of the present plant patent application. Fruit was collected from the female parent and seeds were extracted. After a period of stratification, the resulting seed was placed in a greenhouse, by population, and then field planted for tree establishment, and ultimately to exhibit fruit for subsequent evaluation. One yellow fleshed peach seedling, which is the present variety, exhibited especially desirable characteristics, and was then designated as ‘C11.012’. This peach seedling was marked for subsequent observation. After the 2006 fruiting season, the new variety of peach tree was selected for advanced evaluation, and repropagation.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION

Asexual reproduction of this new and distinct variety of peach tree was accomplished by budding the new peach tree onto ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (un-patented). This was performed by us in our experimental orchard which is located near Fowler, Calif. Subsequent evaluations of these asexually reproduced plants have shown those asexual reproductions run true to the original tree. All characteristics of the original tree, and its fruit, were established, and appear to be transmitted through these succeeding asexual propagations.

SUMMARY OF VARIETY

‘Burpeachthirtyseven’ is a new and distinct variety of peach tree, which is considered of relatively large size, and which has a vigorous growth characteristic. This new tree is also a regular and productive bearer of relatively large, firm, yellow-fleshed, acidic, clingstone fruit which have a very good flavor, and eating qualities. This new peach tree has a medium chilling requirement of approximately 650 hours, and further produces relatively uniformly sized fruit throughout the tree's canopy. In addition to the foregoing, the fruit of the new peach tree also appears to have good handling, and shipping qualities. The ‘Burpeachthirtyseven’ peach tree bears fruit which are typically ripe for commercial harvesting and shipment on approximately September 23 to September 29 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California. In relative comparison to the ‘Autumn Rose’ peach tree (U.S. Pat. No. 7990), and which is the closest known variety, the new variety of peach tree bears fruit that ripens 5-7 or more days later, and the current variety exhibits a more rounded shape especially at the apex. Further, the current variety exhibits a higher percentage of reddish blush on the surface of the fruit. Additionally the current variety is a true clingstone which is different from the closest comparator. Further the present new variety is distinguishable from the seed parent ‘Fayette’ by producing fruit which are ripe for harvesting and shipment about 6 weeks later than fruit produced by the ‘Fayette’ variety at the same geographical location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawing, which is provided, is a color photograph of the fruit produced by the new peach variety. The photograph depicts two whole mature fruit which are viewed from the apical and basal aspects. Additionally one mature fruit is bisected in the sagittal or sutural plane, and which displays the flesh color, and the exposed stone characteristics thereof. The external coloration of the fruit as shown in the photograph is sufficiently matured for harvesting and shipment. The colors in the photograph as provided are as nearly true as is reasonably possible in a color representation of this type. Due to chemical development, processing and printing, the color of the fruit depicted in this photograph may, or may not, be accurate when compared to the actual specimen. For this reason, future color references should be made to the color plates (Royal Horticultural Society, Fourth Edition, 2001), and the descriptions as provided, hereinafter.

NOT A COMMERCIAL WARRANTY

The following detailed description has been prepared to solely comply with the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, and does not constitute a commercial warranty, (either expressed or implied), that the present variety will, in the future, display all the botanical, pomological or other characteristics as set forth, hereinafter. Therefore, this disclosure may not be relied upon to support any future legal claims including, but not limited to, breach of warranty of merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose, or non-infringement which is directed, in whole, or in part, to the present variety.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring more specifically to the pomological details of this new and distinct variety of peach tree, the following has been observed during the 8th fruiting season, and under the ecological conditions prevailing at the orchards of the assignee and which are located near the town of Fowler, county of Fresno, state of California. All major color code designations are by reference to the R.H.S. Colour Chart (Fourth Edition, 2001), and which is provided by The Royal Horticultural Society of Great Britain. Common color names are also occasionally used.

-   Tree:     -   -   Size.—Generally considered medium to medium-large in its             growth pattern as compared to other common commercial peach             cultivars ripening in the late season of maturity. The tree             of the present variety was pruned to a height of             approximately 270.0 cm. to about 310.0 cm. at commercial             maturity.         -   Tree width.—Approximately 285.0 cm.         -   Tree vigor.—Considered moderately vigorous. The present             peach tree variety grew from about 170.0 cm. to about             180.0 cm. in height during the first growing season. The new             variety was pruned to a height of approximately 150.0 cm.             during the first dormant season, and primary scaffolds were             then selected for the desired tree structure.         -   Fruit productivity.—Productive. Fruit set varies from more             than the desired crop load, to levels higher than the             desired amounts, when the new variety is grown in a suitable             horticultural zone, and under appropriate commercial nursery             conditions. The fruit set is spaced by thinning to develop             the remaining fruit into the desired market-sized fruit. The             number of the fruit set varies with the prevailing climatic             conditions, and the horticultural practices which are             employed.         -   Fruit bearing.—Regular. Fruit set has been more than             adequate during the previous years of observation, and             thinning was necessary during the past 8 years on both the             original seedling, and on subsequent, asexually reproduced             trees.         -   Tree form.—Upright, and pruned into a vase-like shape.         -   Tree density.—Considered moderately dense. It has been             discovered that pruning the branches from the center of the             tree to obtain a resulting vase-like shape allows for             enhanced air movement, and appropriate amounts of sunlight             to be received so as to improve fruit color, and renewal of             fruiting wood, throughout the tree.         -   Chilling requirement.—The present tree was grown and             evaluated in USDA Hardiness Zone 9. The calculated winter             chilling requirements of the new tree is approximately 650             hours at a temperature below 7.0 degrees C.         -   Hardiness.—The present variety of peach tree appears to be             hardy under typical, central San Joaquin Valley climatic             conditions. -   Trunk:     -   -   Trunk diameter.—Approximately 17.5 cm in diameter when             measured at a distance of approximately 15.24 cm. above the             soil level. This measurement was taken at the end of the 8th             growing season.         -   Bark texture.—Considered moderately rough, and displaying             folds of papery scarfskin. Since bark development and             coloration change with advancing tree age, this             characteristic varies with the tree vigor, age and regional             conditions. Therefore, this is not a dependable descriptor             of the new variety.         -   Trunk lenticels.—Flat, oval lenticels are present, but are             not abundant. The lenticels range in size from approximately             4.0 millimeters, to about 6.0 mm. in width, and between             about 2.0 and about 3.0 millimeters, in height. The             development and size of the trunk lenticels can be             influenced, to some degree, by the ambient growing             conditions, and are not, necessarily, a dependable             characteristic of this new variety. As trees of this variety             mature, lenticels are present, but they are generally             covered by increasing layers of cork (mature bark) and             therefore become less apparent to an observer.         -   Lenticel color.—Considered an orange brown, (RHS             Greyed-Orange Group N167 A).         -   Bark coloration.—Variable, but it is generally considered to             be a grey-brown, (RHS Grey-Brown Group N200 B). This bark             coloration description was taken from trees in their seventh             leaf which have ruptured the scarf skin, and which also have             developed bark furrowing which is much more typical of the             bark of older trees. It should be noted that the coloration             of the bark is influenced, and varies, as the smoother,             darker background color approaches other bark features such             as the lenticels, and the initial fissures which form a             feature of the scarf skin development. -   Branches:     -   -   Branch size.—Considered medium large for the variety.         -   Branch diameter.—Average as compared to other peach             varieties. The branches have a diameter of about 12.0             centimeters when measured during the 8th year after             grafting.         -   Surface texture.—Average, and appearing furrowed on wood             which is several years old.         -   Crotch angles.—Primary branches are considered variable, and             are usually found growing at an angle of about 46 to about             55 degrees, when this characteristic is measured from a             horizontal plane. This tree characteristic can be             influenced, to some degree, by tree vigor, rootstock and             other horticultural conditions which are employed.         -   Current season shoots.—Surface texture — Substantially             glabrous.         -   Internode length.—Approximately 2.6 cm.         -   Color of mature branches.—Approximately grey brown, (RHS             Greyed-Brown Group 199 A).         -   Current season's shoots.—Color. — Medium green, (RHS Green             Group 144 A). The color of new shoot tips is considered a             bright and shiny green, (RHS Yellow-Green Group 146 D). The             vegetative shoot color can be significantly influenced by             plant nutrition, irrigation practices, and exposure to             sunlight, and therefore should not be considered a             consistent botanical characteristic of this new peach tree             variety. -   Leaves:     -   -   Size.—Considered medium-large for the species. Leaf             measurements have been taken from vigorous, upright,             current-season growth, at approximately mid-shoot. It should             be understood that the leaf size is often influenced by             prevailing growing conditions, quality of sunlight, and the             location of the leaf within the tree canopy. For this             reason, leaf sizes can vary significantly based upon the             ambient and other horticultural factors, listed above, and             are not typically considered a dependable botanical             descriptor.         -   Leaf length.—Approximately 159.0 to about 172.0 millimeters.         -   Leaf width.—Approximately 32.0 to about 35.0 millimeters.         -   Leaf base-shape.—The leaves generally exhibit equal marginal             symmetry relative to the leaf longitudinal axis.         -   Leaf form.—Lanceolate.         -   Leaf tip form.—Acuminate.         -   Leaf color.—Upper Leaf Surface — A dark yellow-green,             (approximately RHS Yellow-Green Group 146 A).         -   Leaf texture.—Glabrous.         -   Leaf color.—Lower Leaf Surface — A light to medium green,             (approximately RHS Yellow-Green Group 146 B).         -   Leaf venation.—Pinnately veined.         -   Mid-vein.—Color — Considered a light yellow, (approximately             RHS Greyed-Yellow Group 160 A) when observed in the early to             mid-period of the growing season.         -   Leaf margins.—Shape — Gently undulating. Marginal Form. —             Considered finely crenate. Marginal uniformity. — Considered             generally uniform.         -   Leaf petioles.—Form. — Considered canaliculated, and having             a more pronounced trough when viewed from the dorsal aspect.             The petiole margin is considered rounded when viewed from             the ventral aspect. Size. — Considered medium-small for the             species. Length. — About 6.0 to about 9.0 mm. Diameter. —             About 1.5 to about 2.0 mm. Color. — Light yellow green,             (approximately RHS Yellow-Green Group 145 C).         -   Leaf glands.—Size. — Considered small for the species;             approximately 1.5 mm. in length; and about 1.0 mm. in             height. Leaf Glands. — Numbers. — Generally one and less             commonly two glands appear per marginal side. Observations             of more than two glands per marginal side are very uncommon.             Gland Type. — Glands located at the base of the leaf are             predominantly reniform in shape. An additional one to two,             or occasionally more glands, which appear globose, and             stalked, are often present at the basal margin of the leaf             petiole, as well. Leaf Gland Color. — Considered a             medium-dark brown, approximately (RHS Brown Group N199 C).             Typically the coloration of the leaf glands darken, and             occasionally begin to desiccate during, and thereafter, in             the mid-late growing season.         -   Leaf stipules.—Size. — Medium for this variety. Number. —             Typically 2 per leaf bud, and up to 6 per shoot tip. Form. —             Lanceolate in form, and having a serrated marginal edge.             Color. — Green, (approximately RHS Green Group 137 B) when             young, but graduating to a brown color, (approximately RHS             Greyed-Orange Group 164 A) with advancing senescence. The             leaf stipules are generally considered to be early             deciduous. -   Flower buds:     -   -   Hardiness.—No winter injury (bud death) has been noted             during the last several years of observation under the             ecological conditions prevailing in the central San Joaquin             Valley. The new variety of peach tree has not been             intentionally subjected to drought, cold or heat stress, and             therefore this information is not available.         -   Flower bud.—Size — Variable, and dependent on the state of             maturity. The flower buds, as described, were observed             approximately 7 days prior to bloom.         -   Flower bud.—Length — Approximately 15.0 millimeters.         -   Flower bud.—Diameter — Approximately 9.0 millimeters.         -   Flower bud surface texture.—Pubescent.         -   Flower bud orientation.—Considered appressed, but appearing             less so as the blossoms near the time for opening.         -   Bud scale color.—Approximately RHS Greyed-Purple 185 C. -   Flowers:     -   -   Date of first bloom.—Observed on Feb. 27, 2015.         -   Blooming time.—Considered average in relative comparison to             other commercial peach cultivars which are grown in the             central San Joaquin Valley. The date of full bloom was             observed on Mar. 4, 2015. The date of full bloom varies             slightly with climatic conditions, and prevailing             horticultural practices.         -   Duration of bloom.—Approximately 9 or more days. This             particular characteristic varies slightly with the             prevailing climatic conditions.         -   Flower class.—Considered a perfect flower, complete and             perigynous.         -   Flower type.—The variety is considered to have a showy type             flower.         -   Flower size.—Considered medium. The flower diameter at full             bloom, is approximately 34.0 to 38.0 millimeters.         -   Bloom quantity.—Considered abundant.         -   Flower bud frequency.—Generally two flower buds appear per             node, occasionally one flower bud per node is observed.         -   Petal size.—Generally considered medium for the species.             Petal Length. — Approximately 20.0 to 22.0 millimeters.             Petal Width. — Approximately 15.5 to 16.5 millimeters.         -   Petal form.—Considered broadly ovate.         -   Petal count.—Nearly always 5.         -   Petal texture.—Glabrous.         -   Petal color.—Considered a light pink at the popcorn stage,             (RHS Red-Purple Group 65 D), and darkening with advanced             senescence, and the exposure to sunlight, to a medium-dark             pink, (RHS Red-Purple 64 D).         -   Fragrance.—Slight. Petal Claw. — Form. — The claw is             considered ovate, and is generally medium in size. Length. —             Approximately 8.0- 11.0 millimeters. Width. — Approximately             6.0 to 7.5 millimeters.         -   Petal margins.—Generally considered variable, from nearly             smooth to slightly undulate.         -   Petal apex.—Considered entire.         -   Flower pedicel.—Length. — Considered medium with an             approximate length of about 2.5 to about 3.0 millimeters.             Diameter. — Approximately 1.5 millimeters. Color. — A medium             brown, approximately (RHS Grey-Brown Group N199 D). This             depends upon the pedicel and fruit maturity, and the timing             of the visual observation. Surface Texture. — Glabrous.         -   Floral nectaries.—Color. — Considered a medium, and             saturated orange, (approximately RHS Greyed-Orange Group 169             D).         -   Calyx.—Surface Texture. — Generally glabrous. Color. — A             dull, browned-red, (approximately RHS Greyed-Red Group 178             A).         -   Sepals.—Surface Texture. — The surface has a short, fine             pubescent texture. Sepal Numbers. — 5 sepals are observed.             Sepal Size. — Considered average. Sepal Length. —             Approximately 8.0-10.0 millimeters. sepal Width. —             Approximately 5.0 to 7.0 millimeters. Sepal Shape. —             Generally obovate. Sepal Margin. — Considered smooth, and             entire. Sepal Color. — A dull grey-red, (approximately RHS             Greyed-Red Group 178 B).         -   Anthers.—Generally. — Considered average in size. Color. —             Orange when viewed dorsally, and prior to dehiscence,             (approximately RHS Greyed-Orange Group 168 B).         -   Pollen production.—Pollen is abundant, and has a yellow             color, (approximately RHS Yellow-Orange Group 21 C).         -   Fertility.—The new variety is considered self-fertile.             Filaments. — Size. — Approximately 10.0 to 12.0 millimeters             in length. Color. — Considered white to a pinkish-white,             (RHS Red Purple Group 65 C).         -   Pistil.—Number. — Usually one, and only rarely more than one             is observed. Generally. — Large in size, and having a length             of approximately 17.0 to about 20.0 millimeters including             the ovary. Pistil Color. — Considered a very pale green,             (approximately RHS Yellow-Green Group 154 D). Pistil Surface             Texture .— The variety has a long pubescent pistil. -   Fruit:     -   -   Maturity when described.—Firm ripe condition (shipping             ripe).         -   Date of first picking.—Approximately Sep. 23, 2015 under the             prevailing ecological conditions as experienced in the             Central Valley of California.         -   Date of last picking.—Sep. 29, 2014. The date of harvest can             vary with the prevailing climatic conditions, crop loads and             the current climatic and horticultural practices which are             employed.         -   Fruit size.—Generally — Considered moderately large, and             very uniform.         -   Average cheek diameter.—Approximately 70.0 to about 78.0             millimeters.         -   Average axial diameter.—Approximately 72.5 to about 76.0             millimeters.         -   Typical fruit weight.—Approximately 270.0 grams. This             characteristic is quite dependent upon the prevailing             horticultural practices, and growing conditions, and             therefore is not particularly distinctive characteristic of             the new variety.         -   Fruit form.—Generally — Considered globose. The fruit is             generally very uniform in symmetry.         -   Fruit suture.—No stitching exists along the suture line.         -   Suture.—Color — Generally, the fruit appears blushed to the             same degree as the skin, (approximately RHS Orange-Red Group             N34 A).         -   Ventral surface.—Form — Considered even, and uniform in             appearance, when it is viewed from the lateral, sutural             plane.         -   Apex.—Shape — Generally rounded and occasionally appearing             lobed.         -   Base.—Shape — Generally smooth.         -   Stem cavity.—Generally — The stem cavity extends in a             rounded circular form which is generally considered uniform.             The stem cavity is rounded, but slightly extends toward the             suture. The average depth of the stem cavity is about 7.0 to             about 9.0 mm. The average length of the stem cavity, when             measured in the sutural plane is about 50.0 mm.         -   Fruit skin.—Thickness. — Considered medium in thickness, and             tenacious to the flesh. Surface Texture. — Short, fine and             pubescent. The pubescence is moderately abundant. Taste. —             Non-astringent. Tendency to crack. — Not observed in the             previous years of observation, and evaluation.         -   Fruit skin color.—Blush Color. — Generally speaking, a dull             red blush exists on the skin of the fruit, (approximately             RHS Greyed-Orange Group 175 B), and is more typically             present on the portions of the fruit facing the sunlight.             The blush of the fruit typically covers approximately             45%-65% of the fruit skin surface. The percentage of the             blush on the fruit skin surface can vary, and is generally             dependent upon the fruit's exposure to direct sunlight;             specific fruit maturity; and also the prevailing ecological,             and cultural conditions under which the fruit was grown.         -   Ground color.—A medium light yellow, (approximately RHS             Yellow Group 13 B).         -   Fruit stem.—Size. — Medium in length, approximately 5.0 to             about 8.0 millimeters. Diameter. — Approximately 2.0 to             about 3.0 millimeters. Color. — Pale yellow-green,             (approximately RHS Yellow-Green Group N144 C).         -   Fruit flesh.—Ripening. — Considered even. Flesh Texture. —             Firm, crunchy, juicy and dense. Considered firm, yet             non-melting. Flesh Fibers. — Present, but not prominent.             Flesh Aroma. — Slight. Eating Quality. — Considered very             good. Flesh Flavor. — Considered balanced, with both             sweetness and acidity. Juice Production. — Considered             moderate to abundant. Brix. — About 14.0 to 17.0 degrees.             This characteristic varies slightly with the number of fruit             per tree; the maturity of fruit when harvested; the             prevailing horticultural practices which are employed, and             the ambient climatic conditions. Fruit Acidity. — Considered             medium. Approximately 0.65 titratable acidity is observed.             Acid levels assayed from fruit flesh can vary with fruit             maturity, sunlight exposure, climatic variations, and             regional and horticultural practices which are employed.             Flesh Color. — The flesh is considered yellow in color,             (approximately RHS Yellow Group 3 B). The flesh often             exhibits red pigmentation which radiates from the stone,             (approximately RHS Greyed-Red Group 179 A). -   Stone:     -   -   Type.—Considered a clingstone.         -   Stone size.—It is generally considered to be medium large             for the variety. The stone size varies significantly             depending upon the tree vigor, the crop load, and the             prevailing growing and horticultural conditions under which             the tree was grown.         -   Stone length.— On average, about 38.0 to about 42.0             millimeters.         -   Stone width.—On average, about 24.0 to about 29.0             millimeters.         -   Stone diameter.—On average, about 22.0 to about 26.0             millimeters.         -   Stone form.—Roughly ovoid.         -   Stone base.—Shape — The stone is considered shortly             attenuate.         -   Stone apex.—Shape — The stone exhibits a slightly acute             apex.         -   Stone surface texture.—Considered irregularly furrowed             toward the apex. Further, more pitting exists in the             mid-portion of the stone (laterally), and is more commonly             observed toward the base. Ridges. — Ridging is generally             more prominent, and is usually oriented parallel, and             laterally relative at the ventral and dorsal margins.             Ventral Edge. — The ventral edge is generally considered             troughed with three substantial grooves that converge             apically. Dorsal Edge. — Shape — Generally considered even.             The folds of the surface ridges appearing on the external             margins often end gently along the suture.         -   Stone color.—The color of a mature, dry stone is generally             considered a dull brown, approximately (RHS Greyed-Orange             Group 166 C).         -   Tendency to split.—Splitting has rarely been observed.         -   Kernel.—Length. — Approximately 19.0-21.0 millimeters.             Width. — Approximately 13.0-15.0 millimeters. Thickness. —             5.0-6.0 millimeters. Size. — The kernel is considered medium             in size. Form. — Considered generally ovoid. Pellicle. —             Slightly pubescent. Color. — A dark tan (RHS Greyed-Orange             Group 165 B).         -   Use.—The present variety ‘Burpeachthirtyseven’ is considered             to be a peach tree of the late season of maturity, and which             produces fruit which are considered to be firm, attractively             colored, and which are useful for both local and long             distance shipping.         -   Keeping quality.—Appears excellent. The fruit of the present             variety has stored well for periods of up to 35 days after             harvest at 1.0 degree Celsius.         -   Shipping quality.—Good. The fruit of the new peach tree             variety showed minimal bruising of the flesh or skin damage             after being subjected to normal harvesting and packing             procedures.         -   Resistance to insects and disease.—No particular             susceptibilities were noted. The present variety has not             been intentionally tested to expose or detect any             susceptibilities or resistances to any known plant, fruit             diseases, insect, frost, winter injury or other             environmental factors. Although the new variety of peach             tree possesses the described characteristics when grown             under the ecological conditions prevailing near Fowler,             Calif., in the Central part of the San Joaquin Valley of             California, it should be understood that variations of the             usual magnitude, and characteristics incident to changes in             growing conditions, fertilization, nutrition, pruning, pest             control, frost, climatic variables and changes in             horticultural management are to be expected. 

Having thus described and illustrated our new variety of peach tree, what we claim is new, and desire to secure by plant Letters Patent is:
 1. A new distinct variety of peach tree, substantially as illustrated and described, and which is characterized principally as to novelty by producing an attractively colored yellow fleshed, clingstone peach which is mature for harvesting and shipment approximately September 23 to September 29 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California. 